Shloka 14

Snāna-Śauca Krama: Varuṇa–Āpaḥ Mantras, Aghamarṣaṇa, Sūrya-Upasthāna, and Sarva-Tarpaṇa

Devanagari script

ततो ऽभिषिञ्चेन्मन्त्रैस्तु वरुणैस्तु यथाक्रमम् / इमंमे वरुणे द्वाभ्यां त्वन्नः सत्वन्न इत्यपि

Transliteration

tato 'bhiṣiñcenmantraistu varuṇaistu yathākramam / imaṃme varuṇe dvābhyāṃ tvannaḥ satvanna ityapi

Translation

Dann soll man der rechten Reihenfolge gemäß die Abhiṣeka (rituelle Besprengung) mit den Varuṇa-Mantras vollziehen—mit den zwei Versen, die mit «imaṃ me varuṇe …» beginnen, sowie auch mit dem Mantra «tvam naḥ satvam naḥ …».

Word by Word

• tataḥ: Then/Thereafter
• tataḥ: None
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: tatas (ततस्)
• Form: Adverb

• abhiṣiñcet: Should sprinkle/consecrate
• abhiṣiñcet: Kriya (Action)
• Type: Verb
• Root: sic (सिच्) with abhi
• Form: Optative (विधिलिङ्), Parasmaipada, 3rd Person, Singular

• mantraiḥ: With mantras
• mantraiḥ: Karana (Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mantra (मन्त्र)
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental (तृतीया), Plural

• tu: Indeed/But
• tu: None
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: tu (तु)
• Form: Conjunction

• varuṇaiḥ: Related to Varuna
• varuṇaiḥ: Visheshana (Adjective to mantraiḥ)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: varuṇa (वरुण)
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental (तृतीया), Plural

• yathākramam: In order/Sequence
• yathākramam: Kriya-Visheshana
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: yathākramam (यथाक्रमम्)
• Form: Adverb

• imam-me-varuṇa: The mantra starting 'Imam me Varuna'
• imam-me-varuṇa: Karma (Object)
• Type: Noun
• Root: Mantra Pratika
• Form: Quoted Text

• dvābhyām: With two
• dvābhyām: Karana (Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dvi (द्वि)
• Form: Instrumental (तृतीया), Dual

• tvannaḥ: The mantra 'Tvan nah'
• tvannaḥ: Karma (Object)
• Type: Noun
• Root: Mantra Pratika
• Form: Quoted Text (tat tvā yāmi / tvan no agne)

• satvannaḥ: The mantra 'Sa tvan nah'
• satvannaḥ: Karma (Object)
• Type: Noun
• Root: Mantra Pratika
• Form: Quoted Text (sa tvan no agne)

• iti: Thus
• iti: None
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: iti (इति)
• Form: Particle

• api: Also
• api: None
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: api (अपि)
• Form: Particle

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra, ritual teaching context)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Ritual efficacy depends on correct sequence (yathākrama) and appropriate mantra selection, especially in water-purification under Varuṇa’s domain.

Vedantic Theme: Ṛta/dharma as order; karma-kāṇḍa discipline as a means to inner and outer purification.

Application: When performing consecration or purification, follow prescribed order and mantras; treat water rites as ethical recommitment, not mere formality.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Geographic Context

Type: ritual bathing/sprinkling area near the altar (abhisheka-sthana)

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.214.15-16 (specific Varuṇa/āpaḥ mantras and noose-release prayers); Garuda Purana 1.214.17 (post-abhisheka immersion and ācamana)

Characters & Entities

• Varuṇa

FAQs

What is the importance of Varuṇa-mantras in Garuda Purana rituals?

This verse prescribes Varuṇa-mantras specifically for abhiṣeka, indicating Varuṇa’s role in ritual purification, order (ṛta), and sanctifying the rite through correctly-sequenced mantra application.

How does this verse explain the correct method of performing abhiṣeka?

It emphasizes yathākramam—performing the sprinkling in the proper ritual order—and names the mantras to be used (“imaṃ me varuṇe …” and “tvam naḥ satvam naḥ …”), showing that abhiṣeka is mantra-governed, not merely physical sprinkling.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Follow a clear sequence and authorized mantras in any purification or consecration rite; the verse teaches that sincerity plus correct method (order and mantra) strengthens the ritual’s intended sanctifying effect.